Claims
- 1. Apparatus for handling a plurality of clad elements of a predetermined configuration formed from a sheet consisting of a layer of an elastomeric material bonded to a layer of inert material and deposited in openings of a die corresponding in number and arrangement to cavities of a mold comprising a transfer mechanism having a plurality of rods having a pickup face with at least one fluid port, said rods corresponding in number and array to the die openings and mold cavities, means for selectively connecting said fluid port to a source of vacuum to retain a clad element on said pickup face when it engages the element in the die openings and to an air pressure source to discharge the clad element in the cavity of a mold, and a reciprocating punch having a plurality of punch rods for forming the clad elements from the sheet material and depositing them in the openings of the die and wherein said die and mold are positioned adjacent one another and said transfer mechanism includes means mounting it for translating movement between a first position overlying said die with the punch rods aligned with the die openings and a second position overlying the mold with the pickup rods aligned with the mold cavities.
- 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said punch mechanism is adapted for movement in timed sequence with the translating movement of said transfer mechanism between said first and second positions and is disposed out of the path of said transfer mechanism when it is in said first position.
- 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transfer mechanism includes a hollow platen defining a manifold communication with said pressure and vacuum source and wherein said rods depend from said platen and are in fluid communication with said manifold.
Parent Case Info
This is a division of application Ser. No. 286,977, filed July 27, 1981, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 142,028, filed Apr. 21, 1980, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 013,252, filed Feb. 21, 1979, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 743,071, filed Nov. 18, 1976, now abandoned, which is a division of Ser. No. 473,216, filed May 24, 1974, now abandoned.
US Referenced Citations (6)
Divisions (2)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
286977 |
Jul 1981 |
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Parent |
473216 |
May 1974 |
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Continuations (3)
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Number |
Date |
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Parent |
142028 |
Apr 1980 |
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Parent |
13252 |
Feb 1979 |
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Parent |
743071 |
Nov 1976 |
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